This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Official Information request 'Police Eagle Helicopter Assistance during Cyclone Gabrielle'.



IR-01-23-18712 
3 August 2023 
Leonardo 
[FYI request #23147 email] 
Dear Leonardo 
Request for information 
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request of 15 June 2023 in which 
you asked for information relating to the Eagle Helicopter. 
My response to each of your questions are below. 
Please provide the number of arrests facilitated or assisted by the Police Eagle 
helicopter from the commencement of its operational activities in Hawke's Bay until 
its departure to return to Auckland during the period of Cyclone Gabriel e. 
Police is withholding all specific operational information about the Eagle Helicopter. 
Therefore, this part of your request is refused under section 6(c) of the OIA, as the 
making available of the information is likely to prejudice the maintenance of the law 
including the prevention, investigation and detection of offences and the right to a fair 
trial.  
I would appreciate receiving details regarding the substantial impact achieved 
through the deployment of the Police Eagle helicopter from the time it commenced 
operating in Hawke's Bay until it concluded its operations and returned to 
Auckland. 
Eagle provided valuable assistance in the immediate period following Cyclone Gabrielle. 
Taskings included locating vehicles and individuals for ground staff, assisting with 
movement of staff and equipment between Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti, and supply drops 
into remote areas isolated by the storm.  It also provided valuable real-time information 
and updates on road conditions and their accessibility.  
While in Eastern District it also assisted with routine policing work, including tracking and 
locating offenders.  
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review my decision if you are not satisfied 
with Police's response to your request. You can find more information here. 
Yours sincerely 
Richard Chambers    
Assistant Commissioner – Districts 
Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Eastern, Central 
New Zealand Police 
www.police.govt.nz 
Telephone: 105    

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